TravelWorld International Magazine, Spring 2022 - Spring into Travel

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Welcome to Maine’s
Acadia National Park!
he Park Loop
Road is an
effective way to
get around this
part of Acadia by
vehicle, as it offers
dramatic views and access to
notable highlights, as well as to
various hiking trails. It winds
through forests, past lakes and
mountains and along the shoreline
of this natural paradise.
One of the highlights of Acadia
is Thunder Hole, a natural rock
formation that is affected by sea
conditions. Big, crashing waves
move into the hole and cause a
thundering boom and a boisterous
splash. Time it right – about two
Sand Beach is another highlight in the park.
hours before high tide – for the
most impactful experience.
Sand Beach is another point of
interest. The beach is primarily
made up of crushed shells. You can
swim here, and “polar bears” do,
but know that the warmest water
temps are between 55-60 degrees in
August. Brr!
Don’t be disappointed if you’re
not able to spot sea otters at Otter
Point and Otter Cliffs. There are
none here, nor anywhere in Acadia.
It’s possible these places were
actually named for river otters.
Wildlife aside, both these locations
offer spectacular views and make
rewarding stops. At impressive
Acadia picturesque vistas.
Otter Cliff, the granite formations rise way
above the water. Take the trail further on
to Otter Point, where you can laze on the
rocks and explore tide pools.
Monument Cove is known for its namesake
pillar, which is the result of storm wave
action over centuries. This stalwart sentinel
has stood in its current form for 500 years,
guarding the cove from above. Nearby is the
unofficially named “Boulder Beach,” where
you’ll see a section of shoreline covered in
bowling ball sized rocks.
Hiking trails range from easy to
challenging, depending on the terrain.
Some go through forests or along the
coastline, while others loop around
lakes. You can also scale cliffs to reach
mountaintops for dramatic panoramas.
The fall colors at Acadia are spectacular.
avorites include
Gorham Mountain,
Beehive Loop, Beech
Mountain South
Ridge Loop, Cadillac
North Ridge and Bubbles
Nubble Loop. At 1,530 feet, Cadillac
Mountain is the highest point in the park
and on the eastern seaboard. It’s the first
place you can see the sunrise in the U.S.
from early October to March. If you’re short
on time or don’t want to hike up to the
summit, you can always drive to the top and
get the same awe-inspiring vistas.
Biking is another popular activity at Acadia,
particularly on the rustic carriage roads.
We have John D. Rockefeller Jr. to thank for
the construction of this system. The famed
philanthropist was an adept horseman,
who wanted to travel on motor-free byways
via horse and carriage into the heart of
Mount Desert Island. His efforts resulted in
Acadia’s beloved carriage roads. Check out
the handsome stone bridges – all seventeen
of them! And the large, cut granite stones
lining the road are called “Rockefeller’s
teeth.”
For another view of the park, I suggest
taking a boat trip, where you can see Mount
Desert Island and the shores of Acadia
from the water, along with lighthouses and
landmarks of Frenchman Bay. Bar Harbor
Whales offers several seasonal excursions
that you can board at the docks in the town
of Bar Harbor – the gateway to Acadia.
LIGHTHOUSE
CRUISE
I took the Somes Sound, Lighthouses
& Acadia Park Cruise, which provided
a thorough overview of the area. You’ll
ride in a state-of-the-art catamaran, with
knowledgeable guides and crew, who’ll
regale you with details about the history,
geology, wildlife and more of this special
place. Along the way, they’ll also point
out any wildlife that choose to make an
appearance, including seals, eagles, seabirds
and harbor porpoise.
Lighthouses are iconic in Maine
Lighthouses come in different shapes and sizes.
A lighthouse and nature cruise with Bar Harbor Whale Watch
Company is a favorite experience for many visitors.
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